The Vocal Top Story Drug

Introduction

I don’t know if this is just me, with my imposter syndrome and feelings of inability and inadequacy, but maybe others may feel this as well. I also understand that people who have never had a Vocal Top Story or Challenge win or placement may see this as a red flag or bragging on my part, but it is not. I know many great creators who have not been recognised for some excellent creations, and I am not sure what to actually do about it.

My Thoughts On Top Stories

Every time I see a friend get a Vocal Top Story or place in a Vocal Challenge my heart leaps, and I am so pleased for them. It’s sort of a little official recognition. I might have read or appreciated the story but in some ways my opinion doesn't really matter, I am just part of the business as usual part of Vocal publication, and on my own that is nothing but combined with other readers I do become something.

I have never placed in a Vocal Challenge (and part of me thinks I never will) and that starts to make me think that my creations are not good enough, but when I see certain of my stories with hundreds of reads, Vocal Hearts and comments I know that my creations are actually appreciated by my friends and audience.

The thing is if I don’t get a Top Story I start to feel ignored and deflated, like I am missing out on something that I feel that I now need. In some ways this is wrong, and maybe it is just part of my personality that causes this, although before I got my first Vocal Top Story I used to wonder what I had to do to be considered for a Top Story.

Since then I will admit that I wonder why some of my Top Stories have been chosen as such while stories I believe should have been Top Stories are ignored by Vocal.

It’s Still A Surprise

If I get a Vocal Top Story it is still a pleasant surprise and while when I publish a story I may see it as worthy of a Top Story especially when I see the comments and reactions to it, but I don’t expect it to be a Vocal Top Story.

I do have confidence in my writing despite my imposter syndrome and that is backed up by the reactions and comments that I get, but I do still feel concern for the Vocal Creators who have never had a top story or a Challenge placement, but I am sure that one day it will come to them.

My Advice

Create the best creation that you can and try to love it yourself. Share it in the various Vocal Facebook groups and on any Social Media platforms where you also have a presence. Read voraciously, especially other Vocal Creators and usually they will reciprocate and read your stories.

Ask for support if you feel you need it, and as you group take advice and constructive criticism to improve your creations.

Writing should give you a sense of achievement and hopefully joy. Sometimes it is hard, sometimes it is difficult, like climbing a mountain, but if you get to the top, or even if you have tried, then that is an achievement in itself. You always have to take that first step, then another, and then before you know where you are, you are where you wanted to be, and looking for the next adventure to set out on.

Conclusion

I hope this has provided some ideas for people and told you a little more about me, and I am looking forward to all your Vocal Top Stories and Challenge Placements. I am unlikely to be with you but I will be cheering you all on.

The music I have included is "Waiting For The Man" by The Velvet Underground because there is a little of us waiting for something we want to happen.